Do you have a spring calving herd getting ready to calve or a fall herd that just finished up? Or maybe you want a little more practice to become more confident in your abilities to help a cow have a calf. In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools in January.

The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State extension beef veterinarian, explains the goals of the event are to increase knowledge, practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance.

The schools will also share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow or heifer. Presenters will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.

“Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season,” Tarpoff adds. “We will discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well. We will also discuss calf care early in life. It’s an excellent program regardless of experience level.” The meeting will also feature a presentation on vaccine handling, presented by local agents Ben Sims (Greenwood County) and Hunter Nickell (Southwind District)

This meeting will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the 4-H Building at the Old Iron Club, Fredonia, Kansas at 6 pm. RSVP to Southwind District at 620-365-2242, Wildcat District at 620-378-2167, or Greenwood County at 620-583-7455. Dinner will be provided, so an accurate head count is required by January 4th. The meal is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and Salt Creek Vet Clinic of Fredonia.

For more and updated information about the Calving Schools or local flyers, go to KSUBeef.org or contact Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent, (620) 365-2242, [email protected].

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K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer

The Kansas Forest Service is offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.

These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 12 to 18 inches, depending on species.  Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine. Some of the deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud, and sycamore.  Shrubs available include American plum, chokecherry, lilac, and sand hill plum. This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area.

The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The Quail Bundle offers a variety of shrubs designed to attract quail, including American plum, fragrant sumac, golden current and chokecherry. It was created in cooperation with Quail Forever to provide excellent food and habitat for upland bird species in eastern Kansas.

Another popular favorite is the pollinator bundle. Designed to improve the habitat for a diverse array of pollinating insects, it primarily focuses on native bees, honey bees, butterflies and moths. This bundle is composed of seven species of shrubs and small trees – American plum, chokecherry, golden currant, false indigo, elderberry, buttonbush and eastern redbud.

Not certain what you would like to order? Stop by the Extension office and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity. Orders for conservation trees are accepted December 1^st through the first full week of May, with shipments beginning in March.  However, I recommend that you order early to ensure availability of trees.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.  

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Background

Throughout the summer and fall, the Southwind District has been in D2 (severe), D3 (extreme), or D4 (exceptional) drought. This has compromised pasture quality, reduced surface water availability, diminished cattle condition, and increased hay prices while reducing quality and quantity. This article discusses different cattle feeding methods to increase feeding efficiency and profitability.

Feeding Efficiency – Quantity and Quality

No matter the feeding method, bale waste is directly affected by how much hay you are providing cattle at one time. Providing a daily hay ration can reduce hay loss by 25% compared to providing two or more days’ rations at a time.

**Special Note** Forage analyses are an inexpensive technique to know what you are feeding your cattle. Forage probes can be checked out at any Southwind Extension Office. Additionally, we will help you select the proper analysis for your operation.

Feeding Hay on Pasture

Let’s evaluate four hay feeding methods for cattle on pasture. Many producers stockpile tall fescue in the Southwind District and feed supplemental hay while cattle are on pasture. While most fescue greened up with recent precipitation, not much growth has occurred. However, producers may still seek to feed cattle in pastures where water is available.

Method 1: Hay Rings or Round Feeders

The tried-and-true method to get hay to cattle. Almost every livestock farm has at least one of these, and it continues to be the most used method to feed hay. Feeding out of a hay ring is simple and takes little effort with a loader tractor.

Let’s consider that there are many bale ring types, each offering their own benefits and shortcomings. We are focusing on data from Oklahoma State University showing percent hay waste with three commonly used bale rings, and one “ideal” hay ring type that is not commonly used.

Type 1: Open Bale Ring. The open bale ring is the simplest bale ring. The open bale ring is a ring of metal tubing to hold the bale in place while cattle eat. This ring type has shown to result in 20% hay loss by weight as hay can fall out of the bottom and cattle can drag hay out for bedding.

Type 2: Poly-pipe Bale Ring. The poly-pipe rings are becoming very popular because of their durability, light weight, and maneuverability. Poly-pipe bale rings are functionally the same as open bale rings, thus resulting in similar losses.

Type 3: Sheeted Bottom Bale Rings. These bale rings feature a sheet of metal along the bottom half of the feeders, limiting hay from falling out of the bottom as the bale unravels. Most sheeted button rings also have stanchions on the top half to limit the number of cattle that have access to the bale at a given time. Sheeted Bottom Bale Rings with 16 stanchions resulted in 13% loss by weight.

Type 4: Modified Cone Feeders. In this study, an “ideal” bale ring was constructed. A “cone” was added to the top of a sheeted bottom ring. This cone only allows small amounts of hay to be dropped down the feeder at a time. This modified cone feeder had only 5.3% waste by weight.

Method 2: Unrolling Bales

Unrolling bales on pasture is another commonly used method to feed hay. It is as simple as unrolling a large round bale with a tractor, hydraulic bale bed, or using gravity to unroll down a slope. If you plan to unroll down a slope, plan to have all children and animals out of the way of where the bale is to unroll to prevent injury.

Unrolling bales has been nicknamed the “bed and breakfast” feeding method. As the nickname states, cattle will not only feed on the unrolled bale, but they will also take the opportunity to bed in the soft hay, further increasing waste. Simply unrolling bales can have varying amounts of wastage, depending on the amount of cattle being fed at one time. Studies by Kansas State University have shown 22-23% waste using this method. More cattle will create more competition and less waste; whereas, fewer cattle will create less competition and more waste.

Method 3: Unrolling Bales and Using Electric Fence

Using electric fences helps to alleviate waste experienced with unrolling bales on pasture. The idea is simple, unroll the bale as you normally would and then string a hot electric fence right down the middle of the roll.

You may have noticed a trend as we looked at feeding methods. As you add barriers to accessing the hay, you tend to limit waste. The idea of using electric fences over top of the bale role is relatively new, ergo little data are available to support this practice. If your operation utilizes electric fences, it may be worth trying.

Method 4: Grazing Bales

Grazing bales requires more preparation than the previous methods, but once the fencing is in place it is an easy and versatile method of feeding cattle. Grazing bales is spreading bales evenly throughout a field and limiting access to only a few bales at a time with an electric fence. This method can be very useful to producers who may not have access to a loader tractor or bale bed on a daily basis, or even for producers who don’t want to cold start their tractors every day this winter. By spreading the bales throughout the field, you only need equipment for one day Then you can move the fence on foot as needed.

Grazing bales can easily incorporate one or more of the aforementioned methods, whether it be moving one or more hay rings to the next bales to be grazed or unrolling the bales ahead of time and allowing access as needed. When bale grazing, waste can range from 5 – 15% with hay rings or 11 – 45% without hay rings.

Feeding in Dry Lots

Some cattle producers may choose to feed cattle in dry lots this winter for convenience, pasture health, or water limitations. Depending on lot size, many methods listed above can be repeated with similar results. For example, feeding with bale rings will result in 5.3 – 20% waste in a dry lot.

Many producers feeding in dry lots will use a bale processor or mixer to feed hay. Processed hay will decrease the selectivity of cattle, thereby decreasing waste. Feeding processed hay in a bunk line results in 8 – 11% waste.

Another option for producers feeding in a dry lot is feeding a total mixed ration (TMR). A TMR is a mix of feeds such as ground forage (hay or silage), grain, protein feed, vitamins, minerals, and other additives. When mixed properly, cattle are unable to select for certain ingredients, giving producers more control over feed intake.

Feeding a TMR in a bunk line will result in 2 – 10 % waste. While a TMR adds additional feed costs, a proper mix can decrease hay usage by 20 – 50% when compared to feeding hay in an open bale ring. For producers with limited hay resources and access to a mixer, a TMR may be a more cost-effective option for feeding cattle this fall.

Considerations for feeding in a bunk line: plan to need 28 – 36 inches of bunk space per cow, depending on cattle frame size. Also plan to feed cows, calves, and bulls separately to ensure each animal is eating the necessary allotment.

Final Thoughts

A drought can make it tough for cattle producers to turn profits with decreased amounts of quality forages, poor animal performance, and limited water. Changing how animals are fed can lead to serious savings. Switching from an open bale ring to a sheeted bottom bale ring could save over $10/ton of hay fed on $150/ton hay.

For more information, and to have your hay tested, contact Hunter Nickell (Livestock Production Agent) or Chad Guthrie (Crop Production and Forage Management Agent) at any Southwind Extension District Office.

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

If you turn on the radio, you may hear that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But the holiday season can bring with it many stressors, from trying to have flawless decorations to making the perfect holiday meal and more. In addition to preventing you from living in the moment and enjoying time with family and friends, this stress can also affect the body and present as physical pain (such as a headache). One practice which can help you live in the present moment this holiday season is mindfulness.

If you find yourself facing stress this holiday season, remember to STOP: Slow down; Take a breath; Observe bodily feelings, thoughts, and possibilities; and Proceed, considering multiple possibilities. This mnemonic device can help you remember an easy way to practice being mindful this holiday season.

Other beginning mindfulness exercises include mindful relaxation and mindful breathing. To achieve mindful relaxation, consider setting aside a specific amount of time each day to practice a mindful meditation. This could be as little as five minutes. During this time, find a quiet place and a comfortable body position. Focus on your breathing. Deep breathing can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.

To learn more about incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life and practicing mindfulness this holiday season, consider attending an “Everyday Mindfulness” educational program offered by the Southwind Extension District! This free program will be offered twice in December, including an in-person offering at the Iola Public Library on December 13^th at 1 PM and a virtual offering via Zoom on December 15^th at 5:30 PM. To register for the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/SouthwindMindfulness. Attend the offering which best fits your schedule!

For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

The selection and purchase of a Christmas tree has become an annual tradition for many families who chose a real tree over an artificial substitute. Bringing home a tree is often the kick off of the holiday season. Today, live trees can be found just about anywhere you look such as retail lots, shopping centers, the ever popular choose-and-cut farms. Of course, real trees do require some extra care to keep them looking good through the holiday season.

When choosing a tree, freshness is the most important factor. Purchasing trees that have already been cut for a period of time, are probably the most difficult trees to keep fresh and fragrant due to the length of time from cutting until the tree is placed in the home. A fresh tree should have a healthy, green appearance without a lot of dead or browning needles. As you stroke the tree, needles should not come off into your hand. Another good test to do before buying a tree is to raise the trunk a few inches off of the ground and then drop the tree on the cut end. When this is done, only a few inner dried needles should fall, and certainly not any green outer needles.

Once the tree is brought home, its continued freshness will depend on the type of care that is provided. A 1 inch re-cut across the bottom of the tree should be made. This will remove any clogged wood that many not absorb water. Put the tree into a stand or container of warm water and place it in as cool a spot as possible. Avoid placing it in an area where there is a heat source such as a fireplace, wood-burning stove, heat ducts and even television sets. This will help to preserve the freshness, reduce water loss and lessen the fire danger.

Depending on the size and species of tree, the use of a gallon of water in the first day would not be uncommon. Therefore, the tree should be checked frequently and re-watered as necessary. If the tree does become dried out, it probably will not absorb water. It may be necessary to take the tree down and re-cut the bottom to allow the absorption of water. This is inconvenient, but it is the only way to prevent early needle loss if a tree has become dried out. In the past, some have thought that adding aspirins, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water may prolong the life of a tree. This has not been proven.

Should you choose a living Christmas tree, they definitely require special care. Once the tree is brought home, it should be conditioned before being placed in a heated room. Leave the tree in an unheated garage or building for a couple of days. After conditioning, the tree can be brought in and placed in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Watering a live tree should be done prior to placing it in the home, by moistening the root ball.

Living trees should not be kept inside for more than 10 days. Exposure to warm temperatures may cause the dormant tree to break buds and start to grow. Before removing the tree and planting it outside, it should be allowed to acclimate itself the same way before it was brought inside. The planting hole should be dug before the ground freezes. Once planted, water well and place some mulch around it to prevent the soil water from freezing.

With proper selection and care, you can enjoy a fresh tree throughout the holiday season. And with a real tree, you don’t have to worry about storing it for a year before using it again! They just take a little more work while on display.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Have you heard from your veterinarian about Vitamin A deficiencies, or the likelihood of them this year? Vitamin A deficiency can present with many different clinical signs, but the most common signs are weak or stillborn calves.  In this article published by Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek of Kansas State University, he will discuss some possible reasons why this may occur in spring-calving beef herds.

Fresh, green forages contain very high levels of Vitamin A (as carotenes).  It is rare for Vitamin A deficiency to occur during a normal pasture season. We do occasionally observe deficiencies in the pasture season during drought conditions. As the grasses become dormant (have turned from green to brown color), the Vitamin A content will decrease and the pasture may not provide the appropriate amount of required dietary vitamin.

Vitamin A deficiency is primarily a winter issue.  Cows on green-grass pastures will store Vitamin A in their liver. During late fall and winter, when Vitamin A intake is not sufficient, they can use this storage supply to meet metabolic demands. Unfortunately, the storage supply only lasts between 2 and 4 months.

Harvested forages that are still green in color will also contain some Vitamin A, but at very low levels. This vitamin is the least stable of all vitamins and its stability is negatively affected by elevated temperatures, light, presence of oxygen, and humidity. Therefore, during the harvesting, curing, and storing process a large amount of Vitamin A is lost.

Most herds will supplement Vitamin A through a trace-mineral/vitamin pack supplement.  Unfortunately, we do commonly see Vitamin A deficiency in supplemented herds. What might explain this?

Some mineral packs do not contain the appropriate amount of Vitamin A. Normal free-choice mineral/vitamin supplement consumption is 2-4 ounces per head per day.  To meet the needs of a 1,400-cow consuming 2 ounces of mineral, 300,000 IU of Vitamin A per pound of supplement would be required. If consuming 3 ounces of mineral, this concentration would need be 200,000 IU/lb.  A large percentage of these supplements contain less than 150,000 IU/lb.

Another consideration is supplement intake amounts variation between cows.  Some research suggests up to 14% of cows do not consume any dry mineral supplement at all, and the variability between animals that do is very large. Lastly, it doesn’t matter what level of Vitamin A is contained in the supplement if it isn’t consistently available for consumption. Cows can’t eat what is not available!

As mentioned above, Vitamin A is very unstable and affected by many environmental factors. Mixing Vitamin A with trace minerals (particularly inorganic forms) increases the level of instability. When not mixed with a trace mineral, about 1% of the pure Vitamin A product potency is lost per month. After mixing, the losses can approach 9% per month. A trace mineral/ vitamin product purchased today may contain 50% less Vitamin A when fed six months later.

One common question about supplementation concerns administering an injectable Vitamin A product. In some cases, supplementing with this method does make sense. For example, a herd that is presently experiencing a deficiency can administer the injectable to those dams that have not calved which will have immediate effects.  Another example would be when a herd has not been adequately supplemented and has been fed harvested forages for an extended period. The negative aspect of injectable Vitamin A is the short period of effectiveness. Vitamin A tissue levels are increased for about 1-2 months after administration; therefore, administration timing is critical. To help unborn and neonatal calves, administering to cows as close to expected calving would be appropriate. Excessive Vitamin A can be toxic; therefore, using your veterinarian’s advice on product and dosage is very important.

Summary:

• Fresh, green forages contain large amounts of Vitamin A; therefore, supplementation levels during a normal pasture season are minimal.
• Once pastures have become dormant or when feeding harvested forages, Vitamin A supplementation levels need to be increased to the appropriate level.
• Considerations to normal supplement consumption amounts of most vitamin/trace mineral products, it is important that these products contain the appropriate level of Vitamin A.
• It is important that supplementation products be available to the cows at all times to optimize consumption levels.
• Minimize the storage of Vitamin A containing products to only a few months given the instability of this vitamin.
• Injectable Vitamin A can be beneficial in some cases, but appropriate dosage and timing is critical.

If you have any questions about Vitamin A and their clinical signs, or believe you have a Vitamin A issue, please contact your local veterinarian. Additionally, if you would like more information on this article, please contact Hunter Nickell at [email protected] or at any of the Southwind Extension District Offices.

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

What do you most look forward to about the holidays? For many, including myself, the answer may be holiday foods. Many families have incredible traditions centered on traditional foods that they only get to enjoy a few times each year. These holiday celebrations and traditions are important and should be cherished. At the same time, you may be wondering how you can make your traditional holiday recipes healthier.

Many favorite holiday foods, like pumpkin pie or green bean casserole, actually start with a healthy first ingredient. By focusing on that vegetable or fruit, you can reduce the large amounts of fats and sugar usually found in our traditional holiday recipes. To do this, consider switching from a traditional green bean casserole to a green bean sauté, from traditional mashed potatoes to yogurt mashed potatoes, from a traditional pumpkin pie to a crustless pumpkin pie, or from a traditional apple pie to slow cooker baked apples. Some of these recipes still contain more calories than we should regularly consume, but they are more healthful alternatives as compared to the traditional recipes because they increase the nutritional value and fiber while decreasing the calories, added sugar, and sodium.

With all of this, it is essential to highlight the importance of adapting this based on what is important to your family traditions and culture. There may be some recipes which are important for your family to enjoy as is. If this is the case, consider if you can make just one swap to a healthier recipe for a different item.

To learn more, consider attending my “Healthy Cooking for the Holidays” program at the Erie Library on November 16^th at 10 AM. Attendees will dive deeper into this information and practice making one of the recipes. This program is free, but an RSVP is required by calling 620-365-2242.

For more information about healthy holiday cooking, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

The Office of Farm and Ranch Transition at Kansas State university will be partnering with the Southwind Extension District to host the 2022 Farm and Ranch Transition Conference on December 15, at the Neosho Valley Event Center in Erie, KS.

The conference invites keynote speaker Dr. Shannon Ferrell, of Oklahoma State University, to speak on the process of farm transitioning. As and educator and speaker, Dr. Ferrell helps audiences all over North America understand the fundamental legal elements of farm and business management and farm transition planning. He has provided presentations and workshops to a cumulative audience of over 30,000 across the US and Canada while authoring over fifty publications, including serving as lead author on the Farm Transition Workbook. In addition, he has testified before Congress and the Oklahoma state legislature on multiple policy issues involved in farm transitions from regulatory barriers to retirement savings. In private practice, he helps farm families with both the conversations involved in forming the best transition planning approach and creating the mechanisms to make their transitions successful.

Ashlee Westerhold, Director of the Kansas State Office of Farm and Ranch Transitions will speak on the services the office provides following their three main objectives: 1. Development of a land-link program to introduce exiting landowners with beginning farmers/ranchers through an application and curated matching process. 2. Provide one-on-one technical services to facilitate transitioning the operation. 3. Develop an extensive training program for beginning farmers/ranchers to master critical financial and business issues.

Participants will also learn about when and how to utilize lawyers in their farm transitioning process and hear from a peer panel on real experiences of going through the transitioning process.

Farmers, Ranchers, Landowners, and consultants are all encouraged to attend this conference to gain valuable insight on transitioning out of, or into a farm or ranch. Participants can sign up by visiting www.agkansitions.org or by calling Chad at any Southwind Extension District office. The deadline to sign up for this conference is Dec. 1.

Even though we didn’t get enough rain last week to be a true drought buster, we did receive enough moisture to get the cool season broadleaf weeds to germinate. My residence is in the far southern portion of Neosho county, and my lawn had been brown as brown could be for several months. However, I did notice over the weekend that the fescue was trying to green up and there were little green weeds poking through the soil. It was henbit!

Cool season broadleaf weeds such as henbit, dandelions and chick weed all germinate in the cool moist periods of September and October. It was actually a bit delayed this year because of the dry conditions. They overwinter as small plants, barely visible unless you get down close to the ground to look. Once warm weather arrives in the spring, the plants grow rapidly and flower.

Fall control is ideal for these cool season broadleaf weeds. The weeds are storing food in their roots and will send a leaf applied herbicide to their roots as well. The herbicides will translocate to the roots and will kill the plants from the roots up. These plants are also small and easily controlled right now.

There are several products on the market that are effective on these fall germinating weeds. Herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products that contain 2,4-D, MCCP and Dicamba, sold under the trade names of Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-Out, can be used. A product called Weed Free Zone is also an option. It contains the three active ingredients mentioned above plus carfentrazone.

Newly planted lawns should not be treated with any herbicide until the new grass seedlings have been mowed two or three times depending on the product. Read and follow label directions closely.

Herbicide drift can be a problem during the spring when warm temperatures prevail along with winds. The cooler fall temperatures and the dormant state of most plants reduce this problem considerably, making it an ideal time for application.

As we enter November, it is also the time to give cool-season lawns the last nitrogen application of the season. Why November? November is a good time because it will really help the grass next spring.  As the top growth slows due to the cool temperatures in November, grass plants continue making food (carbohydrates). Carbohydrates that are not used in growth are stored in the crown and other storage tissues in the plant. These reserves help the turfgrass green up earlier in the spring and sustain growth into May without the need for early spring nitrogen application.

How much fertilizer should you apply? One to 1½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area is sufficient. A quick nitrogen carrier such as urea or ammonium sulfate should be used.

Weed control is going to be more important this year than ever because our turf has taken such a hit from the drought. Because some of the turf may have actually died out, it makes the perfect opportunity for weeds to take over. Take action now to have a beautiful, weed-free lawn next spring!

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

If you’ve been shocked by food prices this year, you aren’t alone. Try these tips for dealing with food price inflation. Not every idea will work for you, so pick the ones that best fit you and your lifestyle!

Start by making a list before grocery shopping. Stick to that list and avoid shopping on an empty stomach to prevent impulse purchases. When possible, also try to shop when you are well-rested because you will make better decisions. Consider eliminating high-cost “junk food” snacks and beverages that provide empty calories with little or no beneficial nutrients. Take advantage of coupons (but only on products you already use). Look up and down when selecting a product, since eye-level products can be more expensive. When purchasing produce, plan to purchase produce which is in season and less expensive.

If you are concerned about maintaining a nutrient-rich diet amid high food prices, consider choosing canned fruits and vegetables. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, these can be just as nutrition as fresh and frozen foods. There are some steps you can take to ensure you are choosing a nutritious option. Pick fruits canned in water or 100% fruit juice versus those packed in syrup. When it comes to canned vegetables, choose ones labeled “no salt added” or “low sodium.”

If you are eating out at a restaurant, rethink your drink and make the switch from soda to water. You can also investigate if local restaurants have specials like “kids eat free” nights. If you have leftovers, bring them home to eat for another meal. For food safety purposes, leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of eating or preparation. Place the leftovers in a prominent spot in your refrigerator to remind yourself to consume them promptly.

Another important way to cut down on food costs is to reduce food waste and eat everything you buy. The average family of four loses $1,500 each year on wasted food. Some of the tips listed above will help you reduce food waste, including shopping from a list. Proper food storage is also key. Use thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer to ensure food is kept at a safe temperature (40°F or less for the refrigerator and 0°F or less for the freezer). Implement the “first in, first out” storage method to ensure the food you buy first is used first. For more food storage tips, check out the USDA FoodKeeper app at bit.ly/AppFoodKeeper.

Please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, for more information at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.